Beauhemia Celebrant, Sherborne (2024)

11/12/2023

This image captures such a precious moment between me and my husband. We had no idea it was being taken, and we have our bestie Kathy Lynne Samuel to thank for her keen, observant eye, and being a ninja with her phone.

It was taken just before things went crazy (good crazy!) on Jo's 70th birthday, which we celebrated not only with a sold-out fundraising concert the night before; but also a small but loud gathering on the day itself.

It was a moment of pure love - a look we often share with one another, although I'm not sure anyone has ever captured it 'on film' before. It is photographic evidence of the way we feel about each other ... and how grateful and lucky we are to be able to appreciate it every day.

Nothing lasts forever - and one day moments like these will no longer be possible, so thank you, Kathy. It's an invaluable photograph - one I will always treasure. 💕

#70

07/12/2023

This time of year can be incredibly difficult for those who have lost ones they love. Myself included. All I can say is ... keep going. Keep getting up each morning. Keep on keeping on. They wouldn't want you to give up. And it does get better, down the line. Not because you get over it - you don't. Simply because eventually, you'll find a new way to live without them. It's hard. It sucks, actually, and that's putting it politely. But hang on in there. You WILL come through the other side, one way or another. 💜

30/11/2023

Tomorrow is the big charity fundraiser concert that my husband Jo Burt and I are putting on to raise money for Friends of the Yeatman Hospital and Weldmar Hospicecare .

We're doing so as a thank you to the community health service for getting Jo through some very serious conditions over the last few years. I, too, have a hidden disability and anything connected with supporting community healthcare is very dear to our hearts.

Thanks to a completely sold out show, and the support of our amazing sponsor, Dr Funk (www.drfunk.co.uk) we have been able to raise a good chunk of money for these worthy causes. The full amount will be announced - by me - onstage tomorrow night before the show.

So for a few days, I bid you 'adieu' as I embrace the rock & roll side of my personality - before returning to my Celebrant role early next week. 😙

Photograph by Adrian Mitchell

25/11/2023

💜 "it was bloody perfect!"

You can't really get a much better testimonial than that. 🥰

Photo by Len Copland

20/11/2023

I love this - from an unknown source:

I’m leaving you here. For one night, I want to forget. And maybe smile.

Grief: You can’t leave me behind.

I’m tired. You are heavy. Sometimes you are just too much to bear.

Grief: I am a part of you now.

I can shut the door. Forget you for a few hours.

Grief. That is not how this works. I will always catch up to you.

Why are you doing this to me? It’s not fair. You are much too dark to take everywhere I go.

Grief: Maybe we need another way to think about this.

How would there be any other way?

Grief: Well..for starters, I am only here because of love.

No. You are here because my loved one died.

Grief: But you still feel love.

Always.

Grief: You just renamed me. That is why I am here. I am Love always. You can’t just leave me. I’m a part of you.

But it hurts so much. No more phone calls. Hugs... Plans. Empty chairs. Holidays… I can’t take this pain.

Grief. Running from me only makes it harder for you. Sit with me. I am only the love you still have to give. So feel it. Give some of it to yourself. Carry me with you. Picture me as only love and light.

So why have I been so afraid of you?

Grief. Because reality is hard to accept. This is the hardest thing to do. It takes time to get used to me. But I am here to help you remember.

I just want to be over this.

Grief: The pain you feel when a memory crosses your mind will someday make you smile. It’s because the longer you carry me with you…the wonderful memories will stay with you too.

So instead of carrying grief…I can think of it as carrying my love?

Grief: light a candle within me. Love isn’t dark. I’m only light. I remain because all your love for your person still remains in you. I am the love you wish to still give. I cannot be left behind. I carry on with you until the day you reunite.

So hold that light in your hand. And carry that love with you. To the very last of days.

17/11/2023

I came home after an arrangement meeting with a lovely bereaved family the other day - and immediately asked my husband if he was busy, or could I take him out to lunch.

A conversation with the family I had spent the morning with, had reminded me how it's better just to stop sometimes. To spend quality time with your loved ones.

You never know how long you - or they - have. Appreciate the ones you love - make every moment count. I'm trying to live up to this philosophy as much as possible. 🥰

14/11/2023

💜 "I wanted to thank you so much for J's service. Everyone made a point of telling me how perfect and uplifting it was."

11/11/2023

Some of you will be aware of my 'other' life. Others ... not so much!

My husband, Jo, and I have been creating music together for well over two decades now. He has had the most phenomenal career playing, recording and touring with some incredible names - and the fact that he respects, enjoys, and even thrives on my contribution to his music is an unbelievable compliment.

In just three weeks, he turns 70. It's a huge milestone, particularly in the light of the serious ill health he suffered through most of last year.

So, to mark this milestone, we are putting on a celebratory show on Friday, 1st December, at The Digby Hall in Hound Street, Sherborne.

Due to Jo's experiences over the last few years, we have decided to raise funds for both Friends of the Yeatman Hospital and Weldmar Hospicecare.

Please help us help others - and buy tickets to come along and enjoy what is set to be a completely unforgettable evening.

For full details and tickets go to The Beat and Track, Sherborne Antiques Market or get them online here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jo-burt-the-lazy-farquhars-me-myself-icons-tickets-636394542207

And please help us spread the word by sharing, tagging people in the comments, or just bringing your posse!

Photo by Len Copland

08/11/2023

This is everything. 🥰🥰🥰 "Dear Antonia, words will never be enough to thank you for our truly beautiful ceremony. So personal, emotional and full of personality. Everything we wanted and so so much more. We are forever grateful. All our love."

04/11/2023

Sometimes a little forwarded message is all it takes to make my day. 🥰💜

01/11/2023

I realise I've been less active than usual on social media recently. When life is crazy something always has to give - and for me, it's social media. I don't look at it much these days - and only share the odd thing, but I do love that you're out there, responding to the lovely feedback I receive - and the things that I share. 💜

25/10/2023

Wow 💜 "Dear Antonia, Thank you so much for the Ceremony for my dearest Mum, for your kind eloquent words, all of which I will treasure. Although I miss my dear mum terribly, I am carrying very warm feelings, especially when I think of the beautiful send off that we gave her.

I have had very positive feedback from the family members who were there as well as those who watched on line. This very sad event in my life was made much more bearable by your involvement and a simple “thank you” is not really sufficient for how I feel about it. All I can say is that I feel totally satisfied that I gave my Mum the best I could in life and this continued after her passing with such a special and meaningful send off.

Thank you for everything you did, not only in giving my Mum a beautiful send off, but also for how you helped me to find a positive approach to my loss (unexpected, but nonetheless embraced). With love"

20/10/2023

I came home from a meeting yesterday to find I've been usurped. Despite hogging my office chair, I very much doubt that this fella is up to the job of writing ceremonies, though, so he was 'pursuaded' to move (bribed would be a more accurate word) and I was able to get on with my day. 😄 x

15/10/2023

A lovely lady said to me recently that the way animals react to you is meant to be a representation of your soul. Moments later, I met her gorgeous dog, who reacted like this - and then proceeded to stick to my side for the entire meeting. ♥️ 😍🥰😆

10/10/2023

💜 "Antonia. Thank you so much for your beautiful service today for my Darling Wife J. All the family & friends have said it was a beautiful service & what a wonderful lady that gave the service so again thank you so much."

09/10/2023

💜 "Dear Antonia. Thank you so very much for writing and reading J's funeral. It was very personal and uplifting, I am sure J would have loved it and everyone remarked what a lovely celebration of his life."

02/10/2023

This (left) is the lovely Annette, with whom I've the pleasure of working for a few years now.

She has just launched her wedding stationery business and she's absolutely amazing at it. She follows a brief to the letter and produces beautiful, bespoke creations for your special day.

Check out her site: thelittlechapelstudio.co.uk and get in touch with her if you need something unique and fabulous. She's brilliant and a gorgeous person, to boot! 😊

27/09/2023

I still talk to the ones I've loved and lost. No matter what your beliefs; I think it's incredibly comforting to feel the energy of the lost ones you love around you. We are all made of matter and energy, after all - and so is the majority of the known Universe. So that energy has to go somewhere ... doesn't it? Aaaand ... discuss! 😊

23/09/2023

💜 "I just wanted to thank you again, you really are so amazing and I’m so grateful ❤️ x"

19/09/2023

💜 "Hi Antonia, I wanted to say thanks so much for giving such a lovely eulogy for R, it was a lovely service and just what we wanted. It’s very up and down but I remember you said to me “ you’ve got this” and that’s a great help. Thanks again Antonia, I would recommend you to anyone for a special celebration or occasion, Thanks again, big hugs and lots of love xx"

Photograph by Len Copland

16/09/2023

It's always beautiful when families choose to use a horse-drawn hearse. These guys wore red plumes for an Arsenal fan. ❤️

12/09/2023

This makes me so happy. 🥰 "Antonia what an incredible day, the ceremony was just perfect. And so us. 🥹 Thank you, truly. It was epic. ###"

Photographs courtesy of Len Copland.

07/09/2023

💜 "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Antonia. I'll never be able to find the words to express how special you are and how amazing it was. You took the hardest moment of my life and made it beautiful. Thank you."

04/09/2023

Last Saturday, I officiated the final wedding ceremony in my 2023 calendar. It was a fabulous occasion. Congratulations to the bride and groom! What a happy day! 🥰

More photos soon, I hope! 😊

31/08/2023

Congratulations to the Grooms! 😍 Thank you, boys - it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be an integral part of your special day! 🥰

24/08/2023

💜 "Dear Antonia, we would like to say thank you so much for being our Celebrant. You showed such kindness and compassion, and that meant so much to us and our family."

18/08/2023

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: all the best meetings come with furry companions. This little guy spent an entire meeting snuggled up with me and gave his lovely 'hooman' something to smile about during our funeral arrangement meeting. 💜

15/08/2023

💜 “Thank you so much. I was so apprehensive about today and you made it easier. Your eulogy was perfect, I can't tell you how grateful I am.”

Photograph by Len Copland

11/08/2023

Signing the wedding certificate at a recent wedding for a truly gorgeous couple. I love that the Bride and Groom are both watching the signing while their two witnesses grin for the camera. It was such a lovely ceremony (even if I do say so myself!). So much joy. 🥰

Photograph courtesy of Vikki Vose.

06/08/2023

It really isn't usual for a Civil Celebrant to be able to take to the 'stage' in a place like the beautiful Wells Cathedral, but thanks to the Groom being a dear friend, and his lovely Bride being involved with the running of the Cathedral itself, I was given the great privilege of being invited to orate - along with an ordained minister, of course - at their wonderful wedding last week. What a joy. 💜

www.beauhemiacelebrant.co.uk

02/08/2023

I said something very similar only yesterday during a ceremony for a lovely family who have lost their centre. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, and so much more. Loss can feel so lonely - just remember: you're not alone. Lean on each other. 💙

28/07/2023

💜 "Dear Antonia. Many, many thanks for your role as celebrant for my darling mum, J. You drew out our love and strength, supporting us with warmth and compassion to the very end of the ceremony and for that I am forever grateful. Mummy was, and still is, the love of my life – thank god fate saw you our way to make the day special. So many people commented how wonderful you were - the idea of Mum’s life being a celebration rather than a mourning really reaching them. Thank you, and that comes from all the family."

Photograph by Len Copland

24/07/2023

💜 "Dear Antonia. Thank you for making Dad's funeral so personal to all who knew him. I received an email from one of Dad's friends saying the room was full of love, respect and friendship and that sums up what you gave us."

18/07/2023

Today, I return to reality after a wonderful break in a lovely cabin, surrounded on all sides by glorious woodland. I always find it replenishing to return to nature (although with an element of luxury involved - I'm not the camping type! 😆) and now I'm fortified once more and ready to look after all the lovely families who need my help. 💜

www.beauhemiacelebrant.co.uk

12/07/2023

It is said that you can't serve from an empty vessel. It's a good analogy - how can anyone shine a light in the darkness if their own light is dimmed?

This week, I'm all about replenishing - and filling that vessel to the brim, ready to shine my light for all the families that need me over the next few weeks. 💜

www.beauhemiacelebrant.co.uk

07/07/2023

Something I always say to my lovely families is that there are no right or wrong answers when deciding what to include in a loved ones' funeral service. Don't want to tell their life story? That's okay. Want a random piece of music that you're worried could be inappropriate? It's not - It's absolutely fine. Don't want to use their 'official' name? That's okay, too. I'm here to give you the closure you need - and if that means something different to you than 'the norm' ... so much the better! I specialise in different! 🥰

Photograph by Len Copland

www.beauhemiacelebrant.co.uk

03/07/2023

Wedding season is well underway. This was a fabulous ceremony in a beautiful location on a gorgeous day. 🥰

28/06/2023

I became a Celebrant after a lifetime in the music industry - both the commercial and performance sides (see Jo Burt for the work I do with my husband now). As a result, I have pretty eclectic taste in music. In particular, I enjoy classic Southern style rock - and more recently I've been listening to a lot of 'New Country'. About 8 months ago I stumbled across Brothers Osborne and have been listening to their latest album on repeat for the last few months. I'm always excited to come across talent and these boys have it in spades.

Not only that - they have written a fantastic song about living life to the full, called 'Make It A Good One'. Perfect for a Celebration of Life. Have a listen - it lifts me every time I hear it: https://youtu.be/mjsIFdZOtj0.

I'm always fascinated with the music choices that my lovely families make for their loved ones' ceremonies. Anyone care to volunteer what they would choose for themselves?

24/06/2023

💜 "We have had so many kind messages regarding the funeral from friends and relatives who thought the service was incredibly personal and really summed up mum perfectly. Thank you for all your help and support, time is healing but the service has been of great source of support to all the family. Many thanks again for your lovely contribution to a wonderful ceremony."

Photograph by Copland

20/06/2023

💜 "I wanted to say a big 'thank you' and say how pleased we were with the wonderful service you created for my husband, A. If a funeral can be beautiful, it really was. We were impressed with how you incorporated everything we talked about and captured the essence of A's personality. We have had such lovely comments from attendees and viewers on the web stream as to the mix of laughter and emotion in the service, all steered by your calm manner and gorgeous voice. Thank you so much for caring for us all on the day, Antonia. We were very lucky to have you. Kindest wishes and love."